Perennials, flowers which live for more than two seasons, are at the heart of most flower gardens. While most are easy to grow there are some which can tolerate a wide range of soils and are extraordinarily hardy. These low maintenance perennials offer beautiful flowers and long lasting, lush foliage.
Iris (Iris sp.) is a classic early summer blooming perennial with purple or white flowers. Iris is an important part of the spring flower garden. Growing in clumps which spread larger each year, iris may need to be divided every few years. Its lush foliage lasts through summer.
Stonecrop (Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’) is a great perennial for fall color as it blooms from September through October. Like iris stonecrop grows clumps which grow larger each season. Its flowers are pink or rust colored and if left will turn brown. Tolerant of most soils stonecrop is extremely simple to grow.
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida) can survive in even the most difficult soils and they can survive heat and drought conditions. As a vigorous grower, the challenge isn’t growing it, rather its preventing it from taking over your garden. To control its growth, divide every few years Their tall stems produce bright yellow flowers bloom in summer which last though early fall.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) like blacked eyed Susan, blooms in summer and works as well in a formal perennial garden as in a wildflower meadow. A perfect complement to black eyed Susan.. Though the most common varieties are purple there are also white varieties.
Daylily (Hemerocallis sp.) does remarkably well with very little maintenance. It blooms profusely for weeks and is available in an endless variety of colors. The flowers bloom on stocks which grow up from clumps of long pointed foliage. Flowers range in size from 3 to 8″. They will grow well in full sun though they benefit from shade in the afternoon heat.
Lily-Of-The-Valley (Convallaria majalis) is perfect for the shade garden, woodland garden or natural garden. These low growing perennials are noted for their very fragrant bell shaped flowers. Perfect alternative to a traditional groundcover.
Hosta (Hosta sp.) is one of the most durable perennials available and can grow well with almost no care. Hosta provides the garden with lush mounds of light green, dark green or variegated foliage. Its attractive purple or white flowers bloom in summer. Larger varieties with interesting foliage can be used as a specimen. They’re also effective as an edging plant or when grown within perennial bed. Great for shade and part shade gardens.
Chrysanthemum zawadskii (Chrysanthemum zawadskii) is very hardy perennial with daisy like pink or white flowers. A rapid spreader, the zawadskii chrysanthemum, is tolerant of sandy, nutrient poor soils. Grows to about 1.5 feet.
Threadleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis sp.), as the name suggests, has fern-like, airy foliage. Its tolerant of poor soils and is a vigorous grower. As an profuse bloomer, coreopsis provides the garden with color through mid-summer. Most varieties are yellow but there are a few which are pink. Coreopsis is a wonderful edging plant in a full sun perennial border. With little care, coreopsis will thrive for years.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum superbum) is a vigorous growing perennial which is tolerant of many garden conditions. Its abundant white flowers bloom on tall stalks which grow up from lush green foliage. Shasta daisy will grow to the height of 3’ and a spread 18-24”. Deadheading will encourage a longer bloom time. It’s perfect for cutting garden.
Though they will thrive in less than ideal soils, add compost and other organic matter to the soil when planting these perennials. Also, observe the conditions of your own garden and have a plan or list in hand before you head out to the greenhouse. Once planted, these perennials will provide years of enjoyment.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
